Budapest is synonymous with thermal baths and spas, not for nothing is it considered the “City of Thermal Baths”. This is not a coincidence, nor was it created as a marketing idea to attract tourism. The links between the spas and Budapest and its inhabitants, the Budapesti, are thousands of years old.

It all started in “Aquincum”, an ancient Roman city on the outskirts of what we know today as Budapest. They discovered, even then, the therapeutic properties of the waters and combined these properties with their characteristic architectural skills, they created a network of thermal baths that was unique in the world.

So much so that it was in 1934 that it officially received the title of “City of Spas”, which it still holds today. Its thermal baths soothe the aches and pains of the body and calm mental worries, thus becoming a fundamental part of Hungarian culture and the everyday life of its inhabitants.

When to visit the best thermal baths in Budapest

The thermal baths are open for many hours of the day, an average of 11 hours, starting early in the morning. It is in these early hours that you can enjoy the tranquillity of the hot springs. Its customers are mostly locals looking for a moment of peace, to meet a friend, chat or even play chess in the midst of restful silence.

So, depending on your itinerary and availability, it will be up to you to choose when is the best time to enjoy the hot springs as there is no one part of the day, or even the year, that is better than another.

Of course, for a more local experience, look for the less busy morning hours and the times of the year with the fewest tourists, autumn and early spring. Although if you don’t mind sharing a trip with the cold, soaking in a hot spring bath in the middle of winter is magical.

Important information about the thermal baths in Budapest

As well as being aware of the times at which the baths are visited, with more or less crowds, you need to be aware of other details in order to fully enjoy the experience.

Of course, you’re going to need a swimming costume, but that’s to be expected. What you might not expect is the separation of the sexes in some places. Some hot springs set certain times when only men or women can use certain facilities.  You should bear this in mind when visiting them, by looking carefully at their website or asking the staff there.

Best thermal baths in Budapest

Whether for their architecture, facilities or history, the following thermal baths are the ones we have considered the best of the dozens of excellent options available in the pearl of the Danube.

Széchenyi Baths

Állatkerti krt. 9-11 

Let’s start this list with the splendour it deserves; Széchenyi Baths. Considered to be the largest medicinal bath in Europe, the largest thermal complex in Europe and one of the best known both in the capital and in Europe.

In operation since 1913, it has a total of 21 thermal pools, including outdoor and indoor pools. In them, and among its rooms, it offers a wide range of services for the care and enjoyment of its clients.

All this in an imposing neo-baroque building that is an attraction in itself worthy of being visited as a unique piece of architecture. And this is reflected in the million tourists it receives annually.

As a curious detail, it is one of the most expensive and touristy thermal baths in the whole city. Although it is well worth visiting its interior, exterior and facilities, we insist on the fact that you should try to avoid peak hours. No Saturday and Sunday afternoons if you want to escape from the crowds.

Also, you should know that almost every Saturday night there are music, dance and light parties called “sparties” with live DJs. It’s another way to experience and enjoy this great monument.

Gellért Baths

Kelenhegyi út 4-6

Along with Széchenyi, it is obligatory to mention Gellért. In operation since 1918, this architectural jewel, an exponent of the Art Nouveau and Modernist style, has a simply spectacular decoration with its mosaics, sculptures and stained glass windows.

To this we must add the enclave where it sits; the Géllert hill. Its location, its architecture, decoration, the ten pools, both indoor and outdoor, steam baths and saunas, make it one of the most spectacular and popular thermal baths in the country.

One of its most magical places is the main pool, which is adorned with Roman columns. It’s so incredible that you may even be familiar with it, having been featured in several films and commercials.

Frequented by the great artists and members of the social elite of the early 20th century, it still retains the glamour and luxury so characteristic of its early days.

One of those luxuries, which we recommend you enjoy whenever possible, is to lie in its warm outdoor waters while watching the snow fall in the darkness of the night. A unique experience.

Lukács Baths

25-29 Frankel Leó utca

Leaving luxury and glamour to one side, although without renouncing them completely, we arrive at the Lukács Baths, a beautiful thermal baths that invite you to enjoy and, why not? To get lost among its pools. Among its beautiful pools and terraces, there is a bohemian atmosphere of relaxation and constant inspiration.

Very close to the Margit Bridge, this thermal bath is one of the locals’ favourites, which says a lot about its quality. If we had to highlight one of its strong points, it would be the terraces, especially the one on the roof. You can’t miss it.

Its 8 swimming pools, full of minerals that are beneficial to health, not only provide a remedy for aches and pains, but also host parties and music sessions on many weekends, perfect for having a great time with the best company.

Rudas

9 Döbrentei tér

Built in 1550 during the Ottoman era, this Rudas spa offers pleasures for all the senses. It is one of the most beautiful spas in the city and, being Budapest, that is saying a lot. It welcomes its visitors with a certain oriental touch and a spectacular decoration, where its immense and colourful ten-metre dome stands out.

It has pools with contrasting temperatures ranging from 16 to 40 degrees Celsius. It has seven in total, as well as saunas, a hammam and a wide range of services.

Used by great athletes at the beginning of the last century, today it welcomes a wide variety of people and, during the week, it has exclusive hours for men or women in the Turkish baths. Check its website for all the information you need so you don’t get any surprises.

Veli Bej Baths

Árpád fejedelem útja 7

If we had to define this spa in just one word, it would be intimate. Its visitors highlight, above all, its great value for money, its cleanliness and a tranquillity that is difficult to achieve in such a beautiful place with so much to offer. This last feature is perfectly taken care of at the terma, as the entrance is restricted to a maximum of 80 people, thus ensuring the good use and enjoyment of the facilities by those fortunate enough to be inside.

Veli Bej, formerly known as Császár Bath, is one of the oldest Turkish baths in the city. It perfectly blends the glamour and luxury of bygone eras with the best equipment of this century thanks to a recent renovation.

Throughout its long history, which dates back to the 16th century, it has served many and varied functions until today, when it shares a building with a hospital and a hotel. It is incredible to think how two such busy facilities can lead to such a peaceful place.

You will find a large hot water thermal pool with the classic octagonal shape and a large dome above it, guarded by four smaller thermal pools with a variety of temperatures. You can also enjoy jacuzzi, steam baths and saunas. Let yourself be carried away by centuries of history and waters full of nutrients and minerals that will repair your body and mind.

Special thermal baths in Budapest

Thermal Beer Spa

Allatkerti korut 9-11. inside Szechenyi Thermal Bath

Inside the Széchenyi Spa, which we have already mentioned, a surprise awaits all barley lovers. By purchasing a special ticket, you can access the Thermal Beer Spa.

There are six bathtubs, each with a capacity for two people, filled with beer, where you can soak in the world’s favourite drink. It’s a different, original activity and an experience hard to forget. Cheers!

Mandala Day Spa

Ipoly utca 8

Coinciding with its 20th anniversary, Mandala Day Spa has undergone a thorough renovation that has resulted in the completion of a magical place that brings calm and relief to body and mind.

Its range of services is unparalleled; hammam, a host of treatments and more than 100 different types of massages. Plus a universe of teas. They focus on repairing all the aches and pains of the body through the art of massage and touch, with millenary techniques and an ambience and decoration worthy of another era.

Accommodation in Budapest

In order to fully enjoy the experience of Budapest’s best spas and thermal baths, you will need accommodation to match, and our recommendation is to choose Amberlyn as your home away from home.